Posts Tagged ‘gun training’

Not like asking “are you a turtle?”, but a very serious question. If you carry a firearm for self-defense, have you ever taken a handgun retention course? There are several out there, some are more aggressive than others. I had the opportunity to train with Kathy (The Cornered Cat) Jackson recently. I came away convinced that if you carry you MUST have retention training.
If you know a few basic moves you can significantly increase your odds of keeping your gun in a self-defense situation. This isn’t training you can read and understand easily, this is physical, hands on, Read More >>

As a firearms instructor, one would think that I benefit from the range time and that I practice as much as I teach. Wrong.
As all firearms instructors are aware, getting the trigger time necessary to maintain your very own discipline is very difficult due to teaching others to learn and maintain their own. On top of that, most of what I teach is handgun doctrine, causing my proficiency in other disciplines such as long range and tactical rifle, use of scope and the tactics thereof to sometimes fall short.
Now this goes against my instructor ethics, because I believe that as good Read More >>

The last time I talked about the first two states of my 21 day trip on a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic, again it is as much fun as anything else to do in the summer time. I do want to briefly update on Illinois – just as I finished submitting the blog Illinois’ Legislators overrode the veto by Governor Pat Quinn on the Federal appellate court order mandating that Illinois uphold the Second Amendment. Even though Illinois has this new legislation Chicago’s police superintendent still suggests that guns are the cause of the city’s violence. Has he ever heard of knives? What about just a Read More >>

It is sad to read of a recent court decision in NYC where a man was brutally stabbed by an assailant who had already killed four and injured three during the previous 28 hours. The victim, turned hero, was attacked in a subway car while two transit police officers barricaded themselves in the conductors car and stayed there until the victim was able to subdue his attacker, get the knife away and hold him down. Only then did the hero receive aid from the police. When he sued, the case was dismissed because “the NYPD had no "special duty" to intervene at the time”.
While I have a Read More >>

Across the country, we have seen instances of random acts of violence, assaults on our homes, neighborhoods and communities. They are frightening and remind us of our vulnerability to fall prey to selfish thugs who only care about themselves and what they can get with minimal effort. They aren't interested in working for what they want, they want you to work for it so they can take it from you.
There is a growing trend coast to coast. Citizens are pushing back. There are events such as Light the Night, Neighborhood Watch groups, and neighbors looking out of their windows in response Read More >>

There was a time not so long ago that I thought, this is silly. That was before I taught one. I had always done mixed gender classes, and frankly was lucky enough to teach with some highly evolved guys. However, for new women shooters, there is an ease that you get in a women only class that you don’t get in a mixed gender class. It is more comfortable to ask the questions that might be embarrassing, like how to use a public restroom when you are armed or how the bra holster works.
Since more and more women are coming to shooting, and many are coming because of a fear, either Read More >>

As a woman who shoots, it is amazing to me how often I hear “you don’t look like the type”. Those of us who shoot came to it for our own reasons, some from fear, some for fun. We come from all different backgrounds, professions and age groups. We are young, old, short, tall, skinny, full figured, … What we share is a love of the sport and often a strong sense that we are valuable and empowered. We are smart, we are strong, and we enjoy having fun. Many of us are professional women, educated, productive, and caring. We are sisters, wives, moms...
I have heard it so Read More >>

What is a safety circle? That is your personal perimeter, your “on guard” zone, no one should enter your safety circle without your awareness. The diameter of your circle may vary depending on your location, but a general rule of thumb is 21 feet, which is the distance an average person can close on you in about 2 seconds. For those of us who are challenged estimated feet, it is about two car lengths in any direction.
You safety circle is especially important in public places like parking lots where so many bad things; robberies, car jacking, etc., can happen. Most people will pass Read More >>

Dear Gun Whisperer,
Can you offer some suggestions on how I can relate better to female students in my gun classes? It has gotten back to me that I’ve made some women uncomfortable, and I can’t see <expletive deleted> why, but that is what I’m told.
Signed, F&%(*$*)% Great Instructor
Dear Sir,
First, profanity is often a substitute for a poor vocabulary, or a sign that you just don’t care. Either way…Miss Manners would tell you to stop and so would I. A gun class can be intimidating for someone who is new and it is helpful if the instructor comes across Read More >>

Ok, bad joke, but it probably got your attention. Feet are very much on my mind right now. I recently discovered a new Safety Rule. ALWAYS wear shoes when handling your firearms. Some of you are thinking, “Duh” and some are wondering “why?”.
Recently I was removing a Henry .22 rifle from its soft case (it was unloaded, cleared and cleaned) so I could put it in the safe. It slipped. I’ve been well trained not to grab my guns if they fall, let them go (you never know). Well, it went, and landed on my foot. My first thought was “I hope I didn’t damage the Read More >>